The handwriting tool is part of the touch keyboard in Windows. You can use it to write on the screen with a stylus or similar, and it will convert that handwriting into text.

The handwriting panel is already easy to use, but these tips will make it even easier to insert text using a stylus on a touchscreen device.

How to Open the Handwriting Tool on Windows 11

You can open the handwriting tool through the touch keyboard. The touch keyboard can be opened by clicking the icon on the Windows 11 Taskbar. If you don't see the keyboard icon in the taskbar, right-click the taskbar and select Show touch keyboard button.

After opening the touch keyboard, click the settings icon (it looks like a rectangle with a cog on it) and select the Handwriting option (a rectangle with a pen). The keyboard will switch to the handwriting pane. If you have an app such as MS Word open, the handwriting panel will snap to that app. This lets you know that the text you write will be entered into the app.

Tips for Writing Faster With the Handwriting Tool

The handwriting tool can convert your writing to text almost as quickly as you can write. But there are a few tricks you can use to make writing even faster and easier.

The first one is the strike-through. When you want to delete a word, you don't need to tap the delete button on the right of the writing area. Instead, draw a line through the incorrect word to delete it.

If you write a word that should actually be two words, or if the tool doesn't add a space where it should have, don't worry. To split a single word into two words, just draw a small V above the point where you want the words to be separated.

removing a space in the Windows handwriting tool

You can use a similar technique to join two words that should have been a single word. Draw an arch or curved line from the last letter of the first word and the first letter of the second word. The space between the words will then be removed.

If you misspell a word, you don't actually need to delete it and write it again. Instead, simply write the correct letter over the incorrect letter.

How to Improve Your Handwriting Recognition on Windows 11

The more you use the handwriting tool, the better it will be at recognizing your handwriting. However, you can help speed up the learning process by using the word suggestions when they appear.

Suggestions in the windows handwriting tool

The suggestions will only appear if the tool doesn't know exactly the word or letter you are trying to write. If you use the suggestions to select the correct word, you help to teach it your writing style.

How to Change the Handwriting Tool Language

The handwriting tool can recognize words written in several languages if the correct language is selected. You can choose a different language by tapping the "more" button on the right of the handwriting tool. In the side panel that opens, tap the language button to choose a new language.

Changing language in the handwriting tool

If the language button is grayed out and can't be tapped, it means you don't have any other language packs installed on your computer. You can add a new language pack in Settings > Time & language > Language & region. Select Add a language, and choose a language from the list. Check the Handwriting feature is available and selected before you install it.

If you don't see the language you want to use in the list, it may need to be installed as an optional feature. Check our guide on how to add or remove optional features to Windows 11 for further details.

How to Write Special Characters and Numbers

You can write special characters and numbers in the handwriting tool, but it can sometimes be tricky to make it recognize them all. Luckily, the handwriting tool features a pop-out special character and number keyboard.

The special character keyboard in the handwriting tool

Tap the "more" button and then tap the special character button. The keyboard slides out, and you can tap the number or character you want to insert into the text. To close the keyboard, tap the handwriting button or anywhere in the visible handwriting area.

Adding special characters in Windows 11 can sometimes be confusing. If you want to learn more about them, check out how to add special characters to documents in Windows 11.

How to Dock the Handwriting Tool

The handwriting tool will automatically snap to the text app or program that is currently selected. It will float over the app, usually close to the bottom of the window.

The Windows handwriting tool docked on screen

When positioned like this, it can sometimes obscure text and make it difficult to work effectively. To make the block less of the page, you can dock it at the bottom of the screen.

Tap the dock icon next to the X at the top-right of the handwriting tool. The tool will snap to the bottom of the screen and stretch to full width. The text app you are using should snap to a position above the handwriting tool, so there is no overlap between the two.

How to Change the Handwriting Tool Font

The default font the handwriting tool uses to display your writing is called Ink Free. This is a handwritten-style font. If you prefer, you can change it to a tidier font style.

  1. Tap the settings icon and select More settings > Pen & Windows Ink.
  2. The Settings app will open, where you can select Use your handwriting to enter text.
  3. Use the drop-down menu next to Font to choose Segoe UI. This is a typed-style font.
  4. The font options available may vary in different countries. There should always be at least two font styles available.
Changing the handwriting tool font

If you'd like to learn more, check out how to customize fonts in Windows 11.

How to Change the Size and Style of the Handwriting Panel

The default style of the handwriting tool will be matched to the overall Windows theme you are using. But that doesn't mean you can't change the style and the size of both the handwriting panel and the touch keyboard.

  1. Tap the Settings icon and select Theme and resize to see the Touch Keyboard personalization page. These settings affect both the keyboard and the handwriting tool.
  2. Use the slider at the top to change the height and width of the handwriting tool.
  3. The keyboard theme section contains several pre-set themes. Some change the window color, and others affect the window and background colors.
  4. You can also create a custom theme. This allows you to choose individual colors for keys, the window, text, and background.
Choosing a new theme for handwriting tool

Using the Handwriting Tool Better in Windows 11

The handwriting tool in Windows 11 is much improved and now a great way to enter text on touchscreen devices. Learning these essential tips will not only make entering text faster but also make using a Microsoft Pen or other stylus much less frustrating.